Missoula man drowns in Lower Thompson Lake

A Missoula man, formerly from Plains, drowned in Lower Thompson Lake on March 29. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the man was identified as Michael Larson, 71, of Missoula. At about 12:41 p.m.

Monday, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a report of ice fishing gear sitting on the ice near a large hole on Lower Thompson Lake, south of Libby, off U.S. 2.

Several citizens reported seeing someone ice fishing at that location earlier in the morning.

It was determined that a person possibly had fallen through the ice.

Rescuers from Fisher River Valley Fire and Rescue were dispatched along with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and David Thompson Search and Rescue.

Rescuers arrived and were able to approach the area using ice rescue equipment. Rescuers located Larson in the lake, and were able to remove Larson’s body from the water.